Pets are animals which are kept for companionship and pleasure by man rather than consumption. The most common animals that are kept as pets includes dogs, cats and parrots. These animals generally provide companionship, emotional support, comfort and protection to man.
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These creatures were brought to man so that man could give them their nomenclature, whatever name he called each living creature, that was it's name. Animals had co-existed with humans until the reign of evil which brought about the gap between animals and humans and a major number of these animals now live in the wild. Another reason for pet keeping is because it gives a sense of responsibility, that means you become responsible for the well-being of the pets you keep.
Dogs
Dogs are known to be the first domesticated animals, they possess special abilities and characteristics which are useful to man. Dogs have positive effects on the lives of their owners, they influence social and emotional development, they are able to read emotions such as anxiety, depression, happiness, cheerfulness etc. They also have the ability to detect life threatening illnesses such as Cancer, they provide protection for households and they are loyal to their owners.
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At airports, especially international airports or during drug search by the National drug law enforcement agency (NDLEA), specially trained dogs are used to detect hard drugs such as cocaine because of their powerful high sense of smell. They are able to detect and distinguish smell no matter how mild.
Pets animals especially dogs, usually help to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, after a long day at work, going for a walk with a dog can help relieve stress and enhance body and mental relaxation.
Dogs also provide protection from theft, research has shown that, houses where there are dogs, members of such household feel more relaxed especially at night time because the presence of dogs provides security and alertness for the individuals or community.
It is very important to note that, people should be aware that dogs of any age including puppies can sometimes carry harmful germs that can threaten the health of their owners and society at large, this illness may range from minor skin infections to serious and critical illnesses.
One of the best ways to prevent and protect oneself from contaminating such diseases is to thoroughly practice personal hygiene such as washing of hands immediately after handling, feeding or cleaning up dogs.
In addition to this, dogs should be provided with routine veterinary care.
Cats
Cats are super cute animals. Just like dogs, cats are also very good companions to their owners, they help reduce stress and improve sleep quality,they do not require constant attention and are less noisy compared to dogs. Cats are instinctive predators; which means they hunt, pounce and kill their preys (such as mouse and lizards) not necessarily because of their nutritional needs but because of their genes. This ability provides a pest- free home for their owners. Cats are usually playful and they can help stimulate both mental and physical relaxation and encourage social behavior.
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Cat's fur when petted or caressed provides a calming effect that helps relaxation and builds peace of mind, it also reduces anxiety and depression.
Research has also shown that there is a link between cats and improved communications and social interactions in Children with autism. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain, patients with Autism often have problems with social communications and interaction, restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests.
They may also have different ways of learning, moving or paying attention. Cats have being used in therapies especially for children, helping them to overcome development disorders.
Cats have highly developed sense organs, they can detect sound of higher frequencies than dogs, they have an excellent sense of smell and can also see better in dark and dim light.
Like dogs, cats need routine veterinary care, they should be handled carefully.
Coexistence of Cats and Dogs
Though it seems that cats and dogs cannot coexist, it is actually possible for both to coexist together and build a friendship if harmony is the goal or objective. It is important for pets owners to pay special attention to the feline side (cat) of the relationship and should see the lack of conflict between both pets as a success even though the pets do not seem to be like buddies or friends.
Finally, one of the best ways to handle both pets is by gradually introducing each pet to one another and paying an equal amount of attention to both pets; so none of them feels left out. Both pets produces an hormone called oxytocin, this hormone is linked to the feelings of love and trust, although dogs are more social than cats; cats are a bit more cautious; that is carefully so friendship between these pets takes time to develop.
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